Ethnomycological Investigation in Serbia: Astonishing Realm of Mycomedicines and Mycofood

Abstract

This study aims to fill the gaps in ethnomycological knowledge in Serbia by identifying various fungal species that have been used due to their medicinal or nutritional properties. Ethnomycological information was gathered using semi-structured interviews with participants from different mycological associations in Serbia. A total of 62 participants were involved in this study. Eighty-five species belonging to 28 families were identified. All of the reported fungal species were pointed out as edible, and only 15 of them were declared as medicinal. The family Boletaceae was represented by the highest number of species, followed by Russulaceae, Agaricaceae and Polyporaceae. We also performed detailed analysis of the literature in order to provide scientific evidence for the recorded medicinal use of fungi in Serbia. The male participants reported a higher level of ethnomycological knowledge compared to women, whereas the highest number of used fungi species was mentioned by participants within the age group of 61–80 years. In addition to preserving ethnomycological knowledge in Serbia, this study can present a good starting point for further pharmacological investigations of fungi.

Structural Features and Immunomodulatory Effects of Water-Extractable Polysaccharides from Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer

“…Singer (MP), commonly called the parasol mushroom, is a basidiomycete fungus of the Agaricaceae family, which is highly appreciated due to its taste qualities. The mushroom alimentary use has been documented by the local people living in the Jirisan and Lombard Stelvio National Parks in South Korea and Italy, respectively, and in the Balkans [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. It is a source of proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, indoles, minerals (incl.…”

Macrofungi as Medicinal Resources in Uzbekistan: Biodiversity, Ethnomycology, and Ethnomedicinal Practices

“…The powder of dried G. applanatum fruiting body is added to vegetables in very small quantities during cooking with the belief that it reduces the chances of disease in India [ 227 ]. It has also been used in Serbia for strengthening the immune system as tea [ 18 ].…”

“…The mushroom was so highly valued in Japan, and the expert mushroom foragers would keep their harvest areas so secret that they would only reveal their locations after their death in their wills [ 163 ]. Based on literature data, in mainland Japan, China, and some other Asian countries, G. frondosa was popularly consumed for centuries as traditional medicine as curative herbal medication or health foods based on its enticing taste [ 18 , 164 , 231 , 232 ].…”

“…Scientists are currently focusing on macrofungi, specifically a group of poroids that have antitumor effects and help boost the immune system. Today, polysaccharides are the main constituents of some medicines and nutritional supplements well-known worldwide including in Southeast Asia [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”